5 Bangladeshis among the dead in Kolkata, 4 from a single family
Collected Photo
Of those killed in the fire at a residential hotel in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, five are Bangladeshi citizens. Among them---it has been learned--- four are from a single family.
Local authorities confirmed that a total of nine people lost their lives in 'Shikha Inn' hotel fire that broke out late Tuesday night.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that upon receiving news of the fire, officials from the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata visited the scene and attempted to gather information about the casualties. The Deputy High Commission has contacted the families of the deceased. A round-the-clock helpline has been launched by the Deputy High Commission in connection with this incident.
Meanwhile, it has been learned that four of the five Bangladeshis killed in the fire are members of the same family. Local authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the others. Additionally, six injured Bangladeshi citizens were released after receiving primary treatment.
Regarding the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata are maintaining close communication with the relevant Indian authorities.
The fire broke out at the hotel on Mirza Galib Street, near New Market, one of Kolkata's busiest and most congested areas, around 2 AM on Tuesday night. At least nine people have died in the incident, including Bangladeshi nationals.
Initial reports suggested the fire may have been caused by an explosion of an air conditioner (AC). However, the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
A police officer told the news agency PTI that thick smoke made it difficult for firefighters to climb the stairs and reach the upper floors. He expressed concern that while nine deaths have been confirmed so far, the toll could rise further.
India has long been a major destination for Bangladeshi patients, who seek treatment in Kolkata and other cities across the country. However, following the July mass uprising, travel to India had decreased somewhat due to visa complications and tighter restrictions.
